MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING OF March 3, 2022
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held in person in North Berwick, Maine on March 3, 2022 at 6:45 p.m. with all members attending. Ms. Stanton, Ms. Travers and Ms. Manley were remote, all others were present in person.
The Vice chair shared the public input statement.
Public Input:
Alexandra Houston of North Berwick first shared her thanks and appreciation for the work that the school board has done on behalf of students and staff during this pandemic. She again noted the hard choices and acknowledged the flexibility that has been provided. Her belief is that we need to stop burdening kids to protect them. The mandates served their purpose, students have met the requirements but the disruption is ongoing and needs to stop. She asked that the mandating masks should be reviewed and moved on from. If not now, when? She shared the information that has been presented over the past two weeks and give the right back to the parents to choose what is best for their children
Matthew Leggett of Lebanon shared his beliefs that the board is not working, that they are not listening to the parents. He shared statistics that only 34% of students are proficient in math and 54% in reading. He shared his beliefs that the board does not lead the district. He wants to share with the residents that now is the time to run for school board. He says that he will financially support anyone who is interested in running.
Mr. Rob Williams, of Wells but father of a North Berwick student, shared his concerns about the continuation of masking. He shared his concern about the CDC in general and the science that is behind the work.
Brian of North Berwick shared his concerns regarding voting against parent’s choice. He believes that the mask mandate should never have been put into place. He hopes that that the board will move to remove the mask mandate as of immediately.
Ms. Koren Stuart of North Berwick, shared her desire that the mask mandate would end this evening so that the students could go back to school tomorrow without masks.
Mr. Jeremiah Mulligan, of Berwick, shared his experience recently with the change to mask optional at Dover High School where he teaches. He thought it would be helpful for the board to know that. He also noted that the state of the union address the other evening showed very few members masking.
The board reviewed the minutes from February 17, 2022. Mr. Doiron made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Mallett to approve the minutes as amended. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Educational Programming:
The Superintendent shared no lab cases and three positive home tests as of this afternoon. Attendance has been very good for both staff and students.
The Superintendent shared that the Standard Operating Procedures will change as of March 9th to optional masking.
February 25th, 2022
The buses have been all masked. The MPA has not come out with any guidelines for sports.
Ms. Hagenbuch shared her belief that we have gotten to the point where masking should be optional. Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to make masking optional as of Monday, March 7th. There was a lot of discussion regarding the situation and whether or not to go immediately rather than the future.
Ms. Hagenbuch amended her motion and it was seconded to make masking optional immediately. All members voted in favor except Ms. Hopper who was opposed and the motion passed.
The Superintendent then shared the general overview of the FY23 district school budget.
Employment:
The superintendent shared the retirement of Ms. Carol Carlin. Ms. Mallett made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to accept the retirement of Ms Carlin with appreciation. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The superintendent shared the resignation of Krystal Hanson, special education teacher at the Knowlton School. Ms. Mallett made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to accept the resignation of Ms. Hanson. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The superintendent shared the resignation of Katrina Gilbert, fifth grade teacher at the Knowlton School. Ms. Mallett made the motion and it was seconded by Mr. Doiron to accept the resignation of Gilbert. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Other:
Ms. Mallett shared that she would like to acknowledge the administration, teachers, staff, students and all who had to handle the difficulties of the pandemic and have done so with grace. Thank you.
Public Input: None at this time.
Ms. Doiron made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hagenbuch to adjourn the meeting. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Adjourned at 8:24 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Audra Beauvais